PIER (Professional International Education Resources). This organization provides the globally recognized QEAC (Qualified Education Agent Counsellor) certification. A consultant with a QEAC number has undergone specific training on the Australian education system and code of ethics. This is the primary "test" of genuineness for an education consultant for Australia.
PIER is an Australian-based organization with a significant presence in cities like Melbourne, Victoria.
5 to 10 months. The timeline can vary based on university processing times and the complexity of the student's GTE profile and visa application.
Student visa (subclass 500). This is the single visa category for all international students, regardless of their field of study.
The student consults with the agent. The agent performs a thorough assessment of the student's academic records, financial capacity, English proficiency, and career goals.
Initial Documents Required: Academic transcripts (Class 10, 12, Bachelor's), Passport copy, and English proficiency test scores (e.g., IELTS, PTE).
The consultant shortlists suitable universities and programs. Crucially, they begin strategizing for the GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirement. This is the cornerstone of the Australian student visa, where the student must prove their primary purpose for coming to Australia is to study temporarily and that they intend to return home after their education.
The consultant helps prepare all necessary documents, with a strong focus on crafting a compelling GTE statement. This is a detailed written statement addressing the student's personal circumstances, reasons for choosing Australia, the specific course and university, and the value of the course to their future career back home.
The consultant submits the complete application, including academic documents and the GTE statement, to the selected universities.
The university issues a Letter of Offer (conditional or unconditional). To accept the offer, the student must fulfill any conditions, sign the acceptance form, pay the initial tuition fee deposit, and arrange their mandatory OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the entire duration of their course.
Once the university receives the payment and proof of OSHC, they issue the CoE. This is an official document with a unique code that confirms the student's enrolment. It is absolutely essential for the visa application.
The consultant helps the student lodge their visa application online with the Australian Department of Home Affairs. All required documents are uploaded to the ImmiAccount portal.
Key Documents for Visa: Passport, CoE, detailed GTE statement, evidence of financial capacity (bank statements, education loan), OSHC policy document, academic and work experience documents, and English proficiency test results.
After lodging the application, the student will receive a request to provide their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated collection centre and to undergo a medical examination with an approved panel physician.
This is not a mandatory step for all applicants, but the Department of Home Affairs may request an interview via phone or video call to further assess the student's GTE claims. The purpose is to verify the information provided in the GTE statement and ensure the student's intentions are genuine. The consultant prepares the student for potential questions such as:
- Why did you choose Australia over other countries like the UK or Canada?
- Why this particular university? What do you know about its location?
- What are the career prospects in your home country after you complete this degree?
- Can you detail your family's financial situation and who is sponsoring you?
If the application is successful, the student receives a Visa Grant Notification via email. This document is the official proof of their visa. The consultant then provides a pre-departure briefing covering accommodation, flights, banking, and life in Australia.
Upon arrival, the student presents their passport and a copy of their Visa Grant Notification to the officer at the immigration counter. As Australian visas are electronic, there is no physical sticker in the passport. The officer will verify the visa electronically and grant entry.